By ANEEKA SIMONIS
WOULD-BE crooks have their sights set on Pakenham, making unsolicited house calls to scope out security conditions in the high-crime area.
Earlier this month, a Lakeside resident reported a man knocking on her door, offering to set up a free alarm system following a recent break-in in the nearby area.
During his unsolicited visit, the man made attempts to understand whether the house was already protected by existing surveillance cameras.
The resident, whose identity will remain anonymous, refused to disclose any security information to the man.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Graeme Stanley said residents should never disclose security information to random door-knockers.
“Members of the public should always ask for identification of persons reporting to be from companies door knocking selling anything or requesting donations,” Sen Sgt Stanley said.
“At no time should (residents) give their personal details including banking or credit card details to any person until they have confirmed the validity of the organisation and their ability to carry out any work or service they are selling.”
In recent weeks, a number of residents have fallen victim to calculated, brazen thefts carried out by fake tradesmen at their homes.
On Wednesday 5 August, Sage Harvey and her family lost more than $20,000 worth of household items stolen from a group of men she caught hastily exiting her Berwick home.
On the same day, two similar home invasions were carried out in Pakenham.
Sen Sgt Stanley urged residents to be wary of suspicious people in their area, particularly those asking for sensitive information about home security.
“If householders become suspicious of any unsolicited sales persons they should record as much information as possible and notify police.”
